Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Welcome to the ultimate guide for a show-stopping side dish: the **Twice Baked Potato Casserole**. Forget the fuss of individual twice-baked potatoes; this casserole brings all the beloved flavors and textures into one gloriously easy-to-prepare dish, perfect for feeding a crowd. Imagine creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes, generously loaded with two types of sharp and mild cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and a hint of fresh green onion, all baked to golden-brown perfection. This isn’t just a side; it’s a comforting masterpiece, ready to elevate any meal from a casual family dinner to a grand holiday feast.

Inspired by culinary legend Emeril Lagasse, this **Cheesy Potato Casserole** recipe has been perfected to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at potlucks and holiday gatherings, leaving everyone craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a new twist on a classic or a beginner eager to impress, this recipe is designed for success. Its rich, savory profile, combined with an irresistible cheesy crust, guarantees it will be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering. Get ready to ditch the individual potato scooping and embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of casserole-style comfort food!

Why This Twice Baked Potato Casserole Will Become Your Go-To Side Dish

If you’re searching for a potato dish that combines irresistible flavor, ease of preparation, and impressive presentation, look no further. This **Twice Baked Potato Casserole** truly stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a must-have in your recipe repertoire:

• Effortless Elegance: This casserole is significantly easier and quicker to prepare than traditional individual twice-baked potatoes. You get all the decadent flavors of a classic stuffed potato without the tedious scooping and refilling. It’s a fantastic time-saver, especially when entertaining a larger group, allowing you to enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
• A Symphony of Flavors: Each spoonful is packed with an explosion of rich, savory taste. The combination of fluffy mashed potatoes, salty crispy bacon, sharp and mild cheddar cheeses, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions creates a harmonious blend that is utterly addictive. It’s truly comfort food at its finest, designed to satisfy every palate.
• The Ultimate Holiday Hero: When it comes to holiday meals, a stellar potato side dish is non-negotiable. This Twice Baked Potato Casserole shines brightly alongside roast turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. Its substantial nature and widespread appeal make it the perfect addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any festive occasion where a memorable and hearty side is desired. It’s a dish that feels special and celebratory without demanding hours of intricate work.
• Feeds a Crowd Beautifully: This recipe is designed to generously serve at least 8 people, making it ideal for larger family dinners, potlucks, or dinner parties. The beauty of a casserole is its ability to scale, so whether you need to feed a small gathering or a grand feast, you can easily adjust the portions. Plus, its delightful leftovers are just as good, if not better!
• Versatile & Adaptable: While perfect for holidays, this casserole is also a fantastic addition to Sunday dinners, barbecues, or any meal needing a comforting side. You can easily adapt it with different cheeses or herbs to suit your taste preferences, ensuring it never gets boring.

If you’re still exploring potato possibilities, I’ve also been eyeing this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole from Sweetly Splendid for another delicious and easy option!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cheesy Potato Casserole

Creating an exceptional Twice Baked Potato Casserole begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious flavor profile. Here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll need and why:

• Baking Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold): These are the stars of the show. Russet potatoes, with their high starch content, yield a light, fluffy, and absorbent mash, ideal for soaking up all the rich flavors. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a slightly creamier, naturally buttery texture and a beautiful golden hue. Both work wonderfully; choose based on your preference for texture. Remember to peel them and cut them into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.
• Sour Cream (Full-fat is best): This ingredient is crucial for adding a delightful tang and a velvety creaminess that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon. Full-fat sour cream provides the best texture and flavor, contributing to a truly decadent casserole.
• Heavy Cream (36% Butterfat): For ultimate richness and a silky-smooth texture, heavy cream is indispensable. It contributes significantly to the luxurious mouthfeel of the mashed potato base, ensuring it’s never dry or bland.
• Crispy Bacon: Cooked until crisp and then crumbled or chopped into small bits, bacon delivers that irresistible smoky, salty, and savory crunch. It’s a key flavor enhancer and textural contrast in every bite.
• Mild Cheddar Cheese (Grated): This cheese melts beautifully, contributing to the overall cheesiness and creating a wonderfully gooey texture within the casserole. It provides a foundational cheesy flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (Cubed): The sharp cheddar adds a robust, complex, and savory punch that truly elevates the cheese profile. Using white cheddar ensures the focus remains on the flavor, and cubing it allows for delightful pockets of intensely melted cheese throughout the dish. The contrast between mild and sharp is what makes this casserole so dynamic.
• Fresh Green Onions (AKA Scallions): Sliced thinly, green onions provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a vibrant pop of color. They cut through the richness, offering a bright counterpoint that balances the heavier ingredients.
• Kitchen Staples: Don’t forget the basics! Unsalted butter for richness and flavor, and freshly ground black pepper and salt to season the potatoes perfectly. An egg acts as a binder, helping the casserole hold its shape and adding an extra layer of richness and subtle custard-like quality when baked.

Using these carefully selected ingredients will ensure your Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a triumph of flavor and texture, a dish your family and friends will ask for again and again.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creating this irresistible Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect dish every time:

Expert Tips & Tricks for a Flawless Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Achieving potato casserole perfection is easy with a few insider tips. These pointers will help you maximize flavor, optimize preparation, and ensure your dish is always a crowd-pleaser:

• Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole is an excellent candidate for advance preparation, a real lifesaver for busy hosts! You can assemble the entire dish, minus the final bake, and store it tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply allow it to come closer to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and be prepared to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes since the casserole will be chilled. This ensures it heats through evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
• Scaling the Recipe: The original recipe is designed for a 9×13 inch casserole dish, serving at least 8 hungry guests. This makes it perfect for larger gatherings. However, it’s incredibly easy to halve the recipe for a smaller group or a weeknight meal. Just use a smaller baking dish, such as an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan, and adjust the baking time accordingly (it might bake a little faster). The photo shared in this article actually shows a half-batch, demonstrating its versatility.
• Cheese Personalization: While two types of cheddar (sharp and mild) provide a fantastic depth of flavor, feel free to experiment with other potato-friendly cheeses. Gruyere offers a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with potatoes, especially when combined with a mild cheddar. Other excellent options include Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or even a smoked Gouda for a richer, more complex profile. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your favorite combination!
• Baking vs. Boiling Potatoes: For the mashed potato base, the recipe suggests boiling the potatoes. However, for a more traditional, slightly drier, and “mealier” texture reminiscent of a classic baked potato, you can bake your potatoes instead of boiling them. This intensifies the potato flavor and can result in a less dense, fluffier casserole. Simply bake whole potatoes until very tender, then scoop out the flesh and proceed with the mashing and mixing steps.
• Preventing Dryness: The key to a moist and creamy casserole is adequate dairy. Don’t skimp on the sour cream, butter, or heavy cream. If your mashed potatoes seem too stiff after adding the initial amounts, you can always add a splash more warm heavy cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Over-mixing can also lead to gummy potatoes, so mash just until smooth.
• Achieving a Crispy Topping: For an extra-crispy, golden-brown crust, consider finishing the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning! Alternatively, a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter can be added on top of the cheese before baking for an additional layer of crunch.
• Seasoning is Key: Always taste your mashed potato mixture before adding the raw egg. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember, potatoes love salt, and proper seasoning makes all the difference in bringing out the full flavor of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Twice Baked Potato Casserole

The Recipe:

Ultimate Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour

Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes

Yield
8 servings

A rich and incredibly delicious cheesy potato casserole loaded with crispy bacon, two types of cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, and perfectly mashed potatoes. This comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds of russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup of full-fat sour cream
• ⅜ cup of heavy cream (36% butterfat)*
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (plus more to add to the water to cook the potatoes)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ pound thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp, then chopped
• ⅓ pound sharp white Cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups grated mild Cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons sliced fresh green onions, plus more for optional garnish.
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Prepare Potatoes: Cook peeled and chunked potatoes in well-salted water over medium-high heat until they are fork-tender. This typically takes 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the large mixing bowl.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by lightly greasing it or spraying with non-stick spray.
3. Mash Potatoes: While the potatoes are hot, add the butter, heavy cream, sour cream, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to the bowl. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or an electric mixer until they reach your desired consistency – smooth and creamy, or slightly chunky. Do not overmix.
4. Add Flavorful Mix-ins: To the mashed potato mixture, add the chopped crispy bacon, the cubed sharp white cheddar, about half (1 cup) of the shredded mild cheddar, and the sliced green onions. Gently fold these ingredients into the potatoes until just combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) if needed before proceeding.
5. Incorporate Egg: In a small bowl, whisk the egg until the yolk and white are fully combined. Stir the whisked egg into the potato mixture until it is well incorporated, acting as a binder for the casserole.
6. Assemble Casserole: Scrape the entire potato mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and level the top. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese over the surface of the casserole.
7. Bake to Perfection: Decrease the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown, and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly caramelized at the edges. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
8. Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional sliced green onions or minced fresh parsley, if desired, for a final touch of freshness and color.

Notes

*⅜ of a cup is equivalent to ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Ensure accurate measurement for optimal creaminess.

Always taste the casserole mixture for seasoning before adding in the egg. Potatoes require adequate salt, and you may wish to add more salt and/or pepper to suit your preference.

This delicious recipe is proudly adapted from a creation by Emeril Lagasse, bringing his signature flavor to your table.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Potato Masher
• OXO Vegetable Peeler
• Box Grater

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 477Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1096mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 21g

Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results.

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest